Yep, that’s right. See, when my unfortunate incident occurred, I was shopping for the perfect dress for the awards gala at the upcoming ACFW Conference. If I didn’t need a dress for the gala, I wouldn’t have squeezed into a too-small gown…my sister wouldn’t have had to free me…and that Younkers employee wouldn’t have glared at me like I attacked the dress instead of it, well, me.

Suffice to say, I did not buy the dress.

But the incident got me thinking: With the big conference right around the corner, my-our-choice of attire actually goes beyond our wardrobe, yeah? We’ve got decisions to make about what we do and don’t “wear” at conference-time.

The don’ts:

• Anxiety. A case of nerves is normal at any conference, but anxiety is worry on steroids-and honestly, it’s avoidable.

• Ego. Confidence is one thing, but overactive egos are best left at the door.

• Jealousy. Even typing that word makes me feel icky, but it’s way too easy to fall into during conferences when, perhaps, it seems others are enjoying the spotlight.

• Fear. The worst of them all.

These don’ts and others are just like that dress-they squeeze and steal your breath, threatening to ruin what could and should be an incredible conference experience.

The best combat technique? Filling our “mental” wardrobes with the must-wears:

• Eager expectancy. In other words, hope! No matter what happens with pitch appointments and award results, good things always happen at the ACFW Conference. We meet new friends, make sweet connections, learn in classes. Heck, we eat like kings. Walk in expecting good stuff and that’s exactly what you’ll walk away with.

• Teachable spirit. This is so huge. At the conference, we’re surrounded by wise and experienced industry experts. If ever there’s a time to don a little humility, it’s now.

• Awareness. I want to walk into this year’s conference more aware than ever before that it’s not all about me. There are hundreds of other writers-all with stories churning inside and personal lives full of highs and lows. I want to see the people around me and do what I can to invest in and encourage them, the way so many have in me.

• Trust. Everything comes back to trust, doesn’t it? Trust that God has our back. Trust that He’s got a plan. Trust that we’re at ACFW for a reason.

And trust that when we’ve prayerfully and properly outfitted our thoughts, we’re in for an awesome conference experience.

What are you planning to wear to this year’s ACFW Conference?

Melissa Tagg is a former reporter turned contemporary romance writer. She serves on the development team for large nonprofit and as the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy. She’s a past Genesis finalist and winner of the MBT Frasier Award. Represented by Amanda Luedeke of MacGregor Literary, Inc, she loves connecting on Facebook and Twitter (@Melissa_Tagg).

18 Responses to What Not to Wear: ACFW-Style

Next time you go dress shopping, please invite me along, will you, Melissa?
And I love how you turned the whole “What Not to Wear” idea into an analogy for what emotions to put on (or not) while we’re at ACFW.
Brilliant.
Going to go stuff a few of the right options in my suitcase!

I started a new habit at the 2009 conference. I was blessed to be the recipient of the Barbour contract that year, and while I was still at the conference, I began praying for “next year’s recipient.” The following year, my friend, Rose McCauley, received the Barbour contract, and she and I together began praying for “next year’s recipient.” Last year, Paula Mouldenour received the contract and Rose and I added Paula to our “prayer team.” If you go seeking someone for whom you can pray, or someone to whom you can be a blessing, your conference will be positive, no matter what else happens.

Thank you for the packing list. Such a great reminder! I’m a first time attendee and starting to feel a little nervous, but so far everything that I’ve been reading about the conference serves as a reminder of why I wanted to come in the first place and I can’t help growing excited, despite my little worries! In the end, as you said, it comes back to trust in God!

Excellent, Melissa, and so practical. Whether it’s our first conference or umpteenth, what we wear mentally and spiritually is much more important than what we wear physically. Go with an attitude of joy at seeing old friends and making new ones and a spirit of anticipation for everything to be learned. I hope you found a comfortable dress for the awards. Comfort is more important than fancy for me these days.